Chapter 4 – Introduction to Tort Law
Learning Objectives
After studying this chapter, you should be able to:
- Explain the purpose of tort law.
- Identify the three classifications of torts.
- Discuss various types of intentional torts.
- Explain negligence and defenses to claims of negligence.
- Describe strict liability torts and the reasons for them in the U.S. legal system.
In civil litigation, contract and tort claims are by far the most numerous. The law attempts to adjust for harms done by awarding damages to a successful plaintiff who demonstrates that the defendant was the cause of the plaintiff’s losses. This Chapter will explore the law of torts. Torts can be intentional torts, negligent torts, or strict liability torts. Employers must be aware that in many circumstances, the actions of their employees may create liability in tort. This Chapter explains the different kinds of torts, as well as available defenses to tort claims.
This chapter covers:
physical or mental damage
1) the money awarded to one party because of an injury or loss caused by another party; and 2) the harm an injured party suffers because of another party's wrongful conduct
a deliberate act that causes harm to another, and for which the injured person may sue the wrongdoer for damages
a tort claim that arises when a person or entity is careless and that carelessness injures or harms someone
a tort in which liability is imposed without regard to fault
the state of being legally responsible for something
